Will AI replace Sheet metal workers?

Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 88 official task statements scored for Sheet metal workers (United Kingdom, SOC 5211), 6% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 10 out of 100 (range 8–14, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.

Which tasks in “Sheet metal workers” can AI already do?

The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Review blueprints and work orders to identify specific tasks required for project completion” (75/100, high); “Convert blueprints into workshop drawings for constructing or assembling sheet metal products” (75/100, high); “Select gauges or types of sheet metal or non-metallic material, according to product specifications” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.

Which tasks in “Sheet metal workers” stay human?

About 89% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Secure metal roof panels in place by interlocking and fastening grooved panel edges” (0/100, minimal); “Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on parts using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules” (0/100, minimal); “Join parts using bolts, screws, welding, or gluing” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.

What should someone working in “Sheet metal workers” do about AI?

Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 6% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 89% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.

How is the AI exposure score for Sheet metal workers calculated?

Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 88 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

UK dataswitch to US

Sheet metal workers

working safely at all times by adhering to relevant legislation and regulations to ensure the safety of self, inspecting assembled or finished products to ensure conformance and operating presses and foging machines to shape metal sheets and components. If that's your week, this page is about your job.

The honest answer

AI changes the edges of this job, not the middle: grinding, sanding and smooth filled or repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools is work software can't reach.

Your move: what you can actually do about this ↓

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 6%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 89%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

Whole-job exposure score 10 out of 100 (8–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, across 88 scored tasks. The number is the support for the sentence above it, not a headline about anyone’s future.

How we know this

What is measured: Every published task statement for sheet metal workers is rated on five dimensions: can a model produce the output, does the work need a body in a room, does it need a legally accountable person, does it depend on a person being trusted in the moment, and how much data exists. A published formula turns those five ratings into the score; the model never writes the number.

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

What shifts is laying out patterns with computerised metalworking equipment. This page scores what today's tools actually do, not headlines.

Your week, as this page understands it

Sheet metal workers mark out, cut, shape and join sheet metal using hand or machine tools to make and repair sheet metal products and components (excluding vehicle bodywork). The job title says “sheet metal workers”. The real job is the part underneath: grinding, sanding and smooth filled or repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools. That is the thing someone has to be right about.

The exposed part of this job is specific, and we won’t pretend it is coming back. But sheet metal workers is not one task. It is 88 scored ones, and they are nowhere near equally exposed. The most durable of them, on this evidence, is grinding, sanding and smooth filled or repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools, and the ledger below shows exactly why.

Where the work sits, by task weight

shifting to AI: 6%
changing shape: 6%
staying human: 89%

These bars are tasks changing hands, not people being counted out. The ledger below shows which.

How we know this

How the bar is built: Each task’s share of the bar is its published importance weight, so a task you do all day counts for more than one you do twice a year.

Release: 2026-q4.1, scores computed 2026-08-04. Read the full method.

Your job, task by task

These are the official task statements for this occupation, in plain English, sorted by what the evidence says is happening to each one. The official wording sits under every line so you can check the rewrite against it.

Shifting to AI

4 tasks

Tasks today’s tools can already do most of. This is the part we will not soften: where these rows are the bulk of your week, the week changes.

Laying out patterns with computerised metalworking equipment
This is reading one thing and writing another: patterns in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5211/01, 5211/03
Source: “Lay out patterns with computerised metalworking equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 62 out of 100 (55–69 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Nesting and laying out patterns is already a standard computer job with well-documented rules.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 4/4.
Reviewing blueprints and work orders to identify specific tasks required for project completion
This is reading one thing and writing another: blueprints in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Review blueprints and work orders to identify specific tasks required for project completion.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Reading drawings and work orders to list what needs doing is document interpretation software handles well.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Converting blueprints into workshop drawings for constructing or assembling sheet metal products
This is reading one thing and writing another: blueprints in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 75 · 5211/03
Source: “Convert blueprints into workshop drawings for constructing or assembling sheet metal products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning blueprints into workshop drawings and flat patterns is screen work that fabrication software already largely automates.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Selecting gauges or types of sheet metal or non-metallic material
This is reading one thing and writing another: gauges in, a record out. That is the shape today's tools are built for.
importance 70 · 5211/03
Source: “Select gauges or types of sheet metal or non-metallic material, according to product specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 75 out of 100 (68–82 allowing for uncertainty): high exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Choosing gauge and material against a specification is a documented lookup that software handles reliably.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Changing shape

5 tasks

Tasks where the machine takes the producing and a person keeps the checking, the deciding, or the answering-for-it. For most jobs this is the biggest group, and it is where "transformation, not termination" is literally visible.

Analysing engineering drawings to determine materials requirements
The software now makes the first pass at drawings, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 85 · 5211/01
Source: “Analyse engineering drawings to determine materials requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out material needs from drawings is desk work, but reading fabrication drawings accurately still needs checking.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Calculating dimensions, tolerances and angles of workpieces based on specifications and metal properties
The software now makes the first pass at dimensions, tolerances and angles of workpieces, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Calculate dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces based on specifications and metal properties.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (49–63 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Working out sizes, tolerances and angles from a drawing is arithmetic that software handles reliably once the specification is available.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Designing templates and fixtures for metal fabrication
The software now makes the first pass at templates, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Design templates and fixtures for metal fabrication.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 43 out of 100 (36–50 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Software can produce a first template or fixture design, though a fabricator still adjusts it for the workshop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Staying human

79 tasks

Tasks that stay with a person, because they happen in the physical world, because the rules need someone accountable, or because the value is that a specific person does them.

Grinding, sanding and smooth filled or repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools
This work happens in the physical world: smooth, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/02, 5211/03
Source: “Grind, sand, and smooth filled or repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Grinding and sanding a repair is physical work with power tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Inspecting assembled or finished products to ensure conformance
This work happens in the physical world: assembled, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01, 5211/03
Source: “Inspect assembled or finished products to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Measuring finished products with precision instruments requires handling them.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Training new employees or apprentices
This work happens in the physical world: new employees, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01, 5211/03
Source: “Train new employees or apprentices.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 20 out of 100 (13–27 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Training material writes itself fairly well, but showing an apprentice how to work metal has to be done in person.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 3/4.

Show the other 78 tasks

Planning assembly or building operations based on blueprints or specifications
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at or building operations, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 65 · 5211/03
Source: “Plan assembly or building operations based on blueprints or specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 58 out of 100 (51–65 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning drawings into an assembly sequence is planning work software can draft, though workshop realities still shape it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 0/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Completing production documentation and reporting at the appropriate stages of the work activity
changing shape
The software now makes the first pass at production documentation, but the deciding part still needs a person. So the job becomes checking and deciding rather than producing.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Complete production documentation and reporting at the appropriate stages of the work activity.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 56 out of 100 (52–60 allowing for uncertainty): partial exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: reading one thing and writing another; the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Turning shop-floor facts into production paperwork at each stage is written work software already drafts to a usable standard.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 3/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Identifying areas for production process improvement
staying human
The ratings behind this row put areas well outside what today's tools can do on their own.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Identify areas for production process improvement.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 38 out of 100 (31–45 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: mistakes that are cheap to catch.
The rating behind it: Data can point to problems, but knowing what actually slows this line down comes from being around it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 1/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Checking materials conform to the specified grades
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials conform, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Check materials conform to the specified grades, dimensions, thicknesses and diameters.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking a mill certificate against a spec is paperwork software handles, but gauging real sheet thickness needs someone with a micrometer.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Monitoring resources and activities during product or component fabrication
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: resources, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Monitor resources and activities during product or component fabrication.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 29 out of 100 (22–36 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Some tracking comes from production systems, but much of it is watching what is actually happening on the line.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Planning and preparing for welding plate and structural components before starting work
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: welding plate, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Plan and prepare for welding plate and structural components before starting work.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 25 out of 100 (18–32 allowing for uncertainty): low exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can draft the welding plan from the standards, but cleaning, clamping and setting up the plate is hands-on.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Ensuring safe working practices for the moving
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: safe working practices, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Ensure safe working practices for the moving, handling, and storing of resources and equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can write the safe-handling rules, but actually moving and storing equipment safely happens on the shop floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Locating and marking workpiece bending and cutting lines
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpiece, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Locate and mark workpiece bending and cutting lines, considering stock thickness and component specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (7–21 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; mistakes that are cheap to catch; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The bend allowances can be calculated, but the lines still get marked on the actual metal.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 2/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Resolving fabrication activity issues according to job responsibilities
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fabrication activity issues, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/01
Source: “Resolve fabrication activity issues according to job responsibilities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 14 out of 100 (2–26 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, low confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sorting out problems during fabrication depends on seeing what has gone wrong on the shop floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 2/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Working safely at all times by adhering to relevant legislation and regulations to ensure the safety of self
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: all times, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 90 · 5211/01
Source: “Work safely at all times by adhering to relevant legislation and regulations to ensure the safety of self and others.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can list the legislation, but working safely means a person behaving safely beside the machines every day.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Adhering to health and safety requirements in the workplace
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/02
Source: “Adhere to health and safety requirements in the workplace.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (6–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The rules can be written down, but staying safe around guillotines and presses means a person actually on the shop floor.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Following health and safety regulations in the bodyshop industry
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: health, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/02
Source: “Follow health and safety regulations in the bodyshop industry.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 10 out of 100 (3–17 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: the same decision, made over and over; work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Software can set out the rules, but following them safely happens in the bodyshop with tools in your hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 3/4.
Inspecting and testing joins for security against required standard
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: joins, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Inspect and test joins for security against required standard.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking that a join really holds means handling and testing the part itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Laying out designs or dimensions on stone surfaces from sketches or blueprints
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: designs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 50 · 5211/01
Source: “Lay out designs or dimensions on stone surfaces from sketches or blueprints using scribes, chalk, and measuring instruments.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 8 out of 100 (1–15 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting the design out on the stone itself is done by hand with scribes and chalk.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Directing welders to build up low spots or short pieces with weld
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: welders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Direct welders to build up low spots or short pieces with weld.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 7 out of 100 (0–14 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, medium confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Telling welders where to build up metal depends on seeing the actual part in the workshop.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 3/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 1/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Cutting, drilling and shaping metal materials using manual and power tools during fabrication activities
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5211/01
Source: “Cut, drill, and shape metal materials using manual and power tools during fabrication activities.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting, drilling and shaping metal is hands-on tool work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Following approved joining procedures and quality requirements when joining metal parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: approved joining procedures, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5211/01
Source: “Follow approved joining procedures and quality requirements when joining metal parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: The metal has to be physically joined to the required standard, which needs a person at the workbench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Interpreting technical drawings and specifications to produce and assemble complex fabricated products meeting quality requirements
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: technical drawings, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5211/01
Source: “Interpret technical drawings and specifications to produce and assemble complex fabricated products meeting quality requirements.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building and assembling fabricated products is hands-on work at a bench or machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Operating cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: torches, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5211/01
Source: “Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cutting and joining metal with a torch is physical work; nothing about it happens on a screen.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Using appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to shape and form metal materials
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: appropriate tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 85 · 5211/01
Source: “Use appropriate tools, equipment and techniques to shape and form metal materials, demonstrating and applying knowledge of material properties and characteristics throughout.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Shaping metal by hand and eye is physical craft work, not something a computer can do.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Laying out, measure and marking metal stock to display placement of cuts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: out, measure and marking metal stock, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Measuring and marking metal stock is bench work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Manufacturing parts at construction sites using tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Manufacture parts at construction sites using tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making parts on site with tools in your hands is entirely physical.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Operating tools and equipment to join metal parts using mechanical fasteners as per fabrication specifications
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tools, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Operate tools and equipment to join metal parts using mechanical fasteners as per fabrication specifications.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fastening metal parts with tools is hands-on work that software cannot carry out.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up, check and adjusting the equipment for safe and reliable fabrication of metal products
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: up, check and adjusting the equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Set up, check, and adjust the equipment for safe and reliable fabrication of metal products.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting up and adjusting fabrication equipment is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Tackwelding fitted parts together
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: fitted parts together, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Tack-weld fitted parts together.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Tack welding parts together is hands-on work with a torch.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Welding parts to form complete units or subunits
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/01
Source: “Weld parts to form complete units or subunits using jigs, welding torches, and hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Welding units together needs the welder at the bench or jig.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Carrying out quality checks on component parts and completed assemblies
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: quality checks, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Carry out quality checks on component parts and completed assemblies.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Checking parts and finished assemblies means handling them and measuring them by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Constructing platforms, fixtures and jigs for holding and placing patterns
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: platforms, fixtures and jigs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Construct platforms, fixtures, and jigs for holding and placing patterns.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building jigs and platforms to hold patterns is physical construction.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Hammering out bulges or bends in metal workpieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: bulges, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Hammer out bulges or bends in metal workpieces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Hammering metal straight is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Operating presses and foging machines to shape metal sheets and components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: presses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Operate presses and foging machines to shape metal sheets and components.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Operating presses and forging machines means being at the machine feeding metal through.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Positioning align and adjusting parts for proper fit and assembly
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: align, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Position, align, and adjust parts for proper fit and assembly.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Positioning and aligning parts is fine handwork during assembly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing high spots using hand files
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: high spots, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Remove high spots using hand files, portable grinders, and cutting torches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Filing and grinding high spots off metal is done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Setting up and operating drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating drill presses, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Set up and operate drill presses to drill and tap holes in parts for assembly.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Setting up and drilling on a press needs an operator at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up and operating shears to form and assembling metal components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating shears, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Set up and operate shears to form and assemble metal components.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Operating shears is machine work done by hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Straightening warped or bent parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: warped, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/01
Source: “Straighten warped or bent parts using sledgehammers, hand torches, straightening presses, or bulldozers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Straightening bent parts with hammers, heat or a press is heavy physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Carrying out repairs to equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: repairs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Carry out repairs to equipment when necessary.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing equipment is physical work on the item itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Constructing templates and fixtures using hand tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: templates, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Construct templates and fixtures using hand tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Building templates and fixtures with hand tools is physical making.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Fastening roof panel edges to structures by nailing or welding
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: roof panel edges, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01, 5211/03
Source: “Fasten roof panel edges to structures by nailing or welding.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fixing roof panel edges by nailing or welding is done on the roof.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Heattreating parts using acetylene torches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Heat-treat parts using acetylene torches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Heat-treating parts with a torch is hands-on work at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing metal structures following construction guidelines for durability
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal structures following construction guidelines, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Install metal structures following construction guidelines for durability.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Installing metal structures happens on site with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Lifting and aligning components into position using hoist or block and tackle
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Lift and align components into position using hoist or block and tackle.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Lifting and aligning heavy components is physical work with hoists.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 1/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Maintaining the equipment in a reliable and safe condition
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the equipment, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Maintain the equipment in a reliable and safe condition.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Keeping equipment safe and working means physically checking and fixing it.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Preheating workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpieces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Preheat workpieces, using heating furnaces or hand torches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–7 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence, and it moved between repeat runs, so the range is widened.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Preheating a workpiece with a furnace or torch is a hands-on shop-floor step.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Restoring the work area and equipment to a safe and reliable condition on completion of the activity
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: the work area, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Restore the work area and equipment to a safe and reliable condition on completion of the activity.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Making the site and equipment safe at the end of a job is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Setting up and operating grinders to make metallic and plastic workpieces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: and operating grinders, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Set up and operate grinders to make metallic and plastic workpieces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Grinding parts to size requires an operator at the machine.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Smoothing workpiece edges
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: workpiece edges, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/01
Source: “Smooth workpiece edges.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Smoothing sharp edges off a workpiece is manual work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Coordinating fitting and alignment of heavy parts with other workers
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: alignment of heavy parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Coordinate fitting and alignment of heavy parts with other workers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world; the value is that a specific person does it.
The rating behind it: Lining up heavy metal parts alongside workmates is muscle and timing in the same room, which software cannot supply.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 2/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Installing containers using specified methods and tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: containers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Install containers using specified methods and tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Installing containers on site is physical fitting work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing pipes in supportive frameworks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: pipes, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Install pipes in supportive frameworks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting pipes into frameworks is hands-on installation.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Lifting or moving materials and finished products using large cranes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Lift or move materials and finished products using large cranes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Moving materials with a crane needs an operator on site.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Positioning braces, jacks, clamps, ropes or bolt straps for welding or riveting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: braces, jacks, clamps, ropes or bolt straps, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Position braces, jacks, clamps, ropes, or bolt straps for welding or riveting.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Positioning clamps, braces and straps before welding is physical set-up.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Repairing taps, tubes and valves for metal fabrication projects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: taps, tubes and valves, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/01
Source: “Repair taps, tubes, and valves for metal fabrication projects.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing taps, tubes and valves means working on the parts themselves.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Erecting scaffolding for elevated work areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: elevated work areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/01
Source: “Erect scaffolding for elevated work areas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Scaffolding is built by trained hands on site, so the work cannot move to a screen at all.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 1/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing boilers using appropriate tools and techniques
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: boilers, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/01
Source: “Install boilers using appropriate tools and techniques.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Installing a boiler is physical work in the plant room.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Installing rain gutters in supportive frameworks
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: rain gutters, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/01
Source: “Install rain gutters in supportive frameworks.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting rain gutters is done up a ladder with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Fitting and welding replacement parts into place
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: replacement parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/02
Source: “Fit and weld replacement parts into place, using spanners and welding equipment.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Fitting and welding parts onto a vehicle is hands-on workshop work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Positioning dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: blocks against surfaces of dented areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/02
Source: “Position dolly blocks against surfaces of dented areas and beat opposite surfaces to remove dents, using hammers.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Beating out dents with hammers and dollies is pure hand skill.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Chaining frames and sections to alignment machines to align damaged components
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: frames, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/02
Source: “Chain frames and sections to alignment machines to align damaged components.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Chaining a vehicle onto an alignment jig is heavy manual work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Grinding down welds to smooth them
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: welds, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/02
Source: “Grind down welds to smooth them, using power grinders and other tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Smoothing welds requires a grinder held against the metal.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Mixing polyester resins and hardeners for use in restoring damaged areas
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: polyester resins, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/02
Source: “Mix polyester resins and hardeners for use in restoring damaged areas.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Mixing resins and hardeners is done by hand at the bench.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Priming repaired surfaces using paint spray guns
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: repaired surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/02
Source: “Prime repaired surfaces using paint spray guns.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Priming a repair means holding a spray gun to the panel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing small pits and dimples in body metal
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: small pits, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/02
Source: “Remove small pits and dimples in body metal, using pick hammers and punches.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Working out small pits with pick hammers is delicate hand work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Smoothing out minor dents in panels
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: minor dents, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 70 · 5211/02
Source: “Smooth out minor dents in panels.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Working small dents out of a panel is done by hand with tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Cutting and taping plastic separating film to repair areas to protect surrounding surfaces
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: plastic separating film, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/02
Source: “Cut and tape plastic separating film to repair areas to protect surrounding surfaces.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Masking a repair area is done by hand around the panel.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Making repairs to peripheral equipment
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: repairs, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/02
Source: “Make repairs to peripheral equipment, including replacement of defective parts.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Repairing equipment and swapping defective parts is physical work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing excess materials or impurities from objects
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: excess materials, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/02
Source: “Remove excess materials or impurities from objects, using air hoses or grinding machines.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Cleaning up parts with air lines or grinders is hands-on work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing, repairing, modifying and adapt components using hot-work techniques, burning, brazing, welding, Mig, Tig, argon-arc, heating
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: adapt components, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/02
Source: “Remove, repair, modify and adapt components using hot-work techniques such as burning, brazing, welding (Mig, Tig, argon-arc, heating, plasma) to carry out repair or improvement activities such as using line boring and hard facing methods to build up ground-engaging components.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Burning, brazing, welding and line boring are all done with the tool in hand.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Covering surfaces with dust sheets or masking tape and paper to protect during painting
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: surfaces, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/02
Source: “Cover surfaces with dust sheets or masking tape and paper to protect during painting.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Masking up and laying protective sheets is entirely hands-on work in the room.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Patting or pressing layers of saturated mat or cloth into place on moulds using brushes or hands
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: layers of saturated mat, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/02
Source: “Pat or press layers of saturated mat or cloth into place on moulds using brushes or hands.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Laying wet mat into a mould is done with brushes and hands.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Removing tape and washing surfaces after repair completion
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: tape, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/02
Source: “Remove tape and wash surfaces after repair completion.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Unmasking and washing down a finished repair is manual work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Sanding down areas in preparation for painting and decorating
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: areas, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/02
Source: “Sand down areas in preparation for painting and decorating.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Sanding a surface smooth before decorating is manual work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Saturating cloth and mats with the resin mixtures using brushes
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: cloth, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 55 · 5211/02
Source: “Saturate cloth and mats with the resin mixtures using brushes.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Wetting out cloth and mat with resin is manual workshop work.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Joining metal parts together using riveting and welding methods
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal parts together, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/03
Source: “Join metal parts together using riveting and welding methods.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Riveting and welding parts together is hands-on metalwork.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Shaping metals into desired forms
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metals, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 80 · 5211/03
Source: “Shape metals into desired forms using hammers, punches, and anvils.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Hammering and forming metal is physical craft.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Grinding objects or parts to correct defects or preparing surfaces for further finishing using hand tools and power tools
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: objects, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/03
Source: “Grind objects or parts to correct defects or prepare surfaces for further finishing using hand tools and power tools.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Grinding parts to remove defects has to be done by hand with power tools.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Joining parts using bolts, screws, welding or gluing
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: parts, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 75 · 5211/03
Source: “Join parts using bolts, screws, welding, or gluing.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Bolting, welding or gluing parts together is physical assembly.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 1/4.
Locating and marking dimensions and reference lines on parts
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: dimensions, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 65 · 5211/03
Source: “Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on parts using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Marking reference lines onto parts is done with instruments on the part itself.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.
Securing metal roof panels in place by interlocking and fastening grooved panel edges
staying human
This work happens in the physical world: metal roof panels, in a real place. Software cannot follow it there.
importance 60 · 5211/03
Source: “Secure metal roof panels in place by interlocking and fastening grooved panel edges.” (UK task statement)
How this row was scored
Exposure score: 0 out of 100 (0–4 allowing for uncertainty): minimal exposure, high confidence.
Why it sits in this group: work that happens in the physical world.
The rating behind it: Interlocking and fastening roof panels is physical work on the roof.
The five ratings: output a model can produce 0/4 · needs a body in a room 4/4 · needs an accountable person 0/4 · needs to be trusted in the moment 0/4 · how much data exists 2/4.

What this job pays, and how many people do it

Median pay: £32,200a year, before tax, the middle of the range, so half earn more and half earn less.ashe-t14, 2025 · ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
How we know this
Source: ashe-t14
Reference period: ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025)
Rounding: Shown to the nearest £100. The exact published figure is in the downloadable dataset. We do not render pounds the survey cannot support.
People doing this job: 10,400in the UK, 2026.nomis-aps · Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period)This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.

What is deliberately not here: a forecast of how many of these jobs exist in ten years. Where an official projection exists for a market we publish it with its vintage; where it does not, we leave the space empty rather than borrow the other country’s number.

Why this is shifting

The reason is boringly specific. Most of what is shifting here is reading one thing and writing another: patterns in, a record out. The rows above are exactly that shape: laying out patterns with computerised metalworking equipment and reviewing blueprints and work orders to identify specific tasks required for project completion. What it cannot do is be there in the room, and that is still where smooth gets done. Which is why this page talks about your tasks changing, not your job ending.

Your move

Over a pint: what I’d tell you if you were my friend

Start with what does not change: grinding, sanding and smooth filled or repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools is the middle of this job, and the evidence on this page says it stays with a person.

So, given all that: 6% of this job's task weight sits in rows the software is already learning, 6% in rows that change shape rather than disappear, and 89% in rows it is nowhere near. That is the position, measured across 88 scored tasks. It is not a forecast about you.

So the thing worth your attention is not the job going away. It is the layer around it. Laying out patterns with computerised metalworking equipment is the part turning into software, and being the person who understands that layer is worth money.

This week: one thing

Ask the one question. Find whoever is bringing new software into your workplace (the manager, the office, whoever runs the system) and ask them what it is meant to do to patterns, and what it is not meant to touch. Ten minutes, this week, before anyone decides it for you.

What you end up holding: a straight answer about what is actually being rolled out, and when
How long it takes: ten minutes

If there’s nobody obvious to ask, or you’d rather not ask your manager: Put the same question to your union rep, your shift lead or the person who has been there longest, in person, over a break. Same ten minutes, same answer, and you will usually get a straighter one. Write down what they say. The note is the artifact, and it tells you whether smooth is in scope or not. Nothing to log into, no licence needed.

Over the next 90 days

Get inside the tool rollout rather than waiting for it. Over the next ninety days, ask to be in the group that tests, checks or signs off whatever new system arrives near analysing engineering drawings to determine materials requirements. It is usually an unglamorous seat that nobody fights for, and it is the one that decides how the software is used on your job rather than to it.

Over the next 12 months

On this evidence I would not retrain out of this job, and I will say that plainly rather than hedge it. The task list here is dominated by work that stays with a person. What I would do with a year is get formally recognised for the layer around it (the systems, the compliance, the planning), so you are the one who understands the software instead of the one it is done to. Before you pay for anything, spend an hour with National Careers Service. It is free and government-funded, and it is listed below with the rest of the free routes.

The roads out of here, and why I am not sending you down them

I looked at the obvious moves out of this job, and here is what I found.

I checked the 12 nearest UK occupations to sheet metal workers (nearest by the work that AI is not taking, not by job title), and none of them survived. The closest was assemblers (vehicles and metal goods): only about 23% of its durable work is work you already do. And on the numbers you do not need one. This job scores 10/100 here, with only 6% of the task list in the top band, and “work safely at all times by adhering to relevant legislation and regulations…” is not work that hands over cleanly. None of them beats deepening what you already have.

How that was checked: this job was compared against all 412 UK occupations in this release on their official task statements, and the 12 nearest were examined one by one. A move that turns on an industry, an employer or a qualification rather than on the work itself will not show up in a check like that. And this release carries no licence register, so anything you are weighing needs that looked up separately.

3 moves I checked and rejected

These are the obvious-looking jumps. They are here with their reasons rather than quietly dropped, because the ones that fail are worth knowing about. It is one less thing to turn over at night.

Assemblers (vehicles and metal goods)
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “cut, drill, and shape metal materials using manual and power tools during fabrication activities”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 23% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 23% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “cut, drill, and shape metal materials using manual and power tools during fabrication activities”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 14% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 14% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →
Welding trades
Why it looked obvious: It came up as a near neighbour because one of your tasks is on their list in the same words: “operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts”. Across the whole of both lists that adds up to about 11% of the work in that job the software is not taking.
Why I am not recommending it: You would be starting most of it from nothing: about 11% of the durable work in that job is work you do today, and the rest you would be learning while the bills carried on.
Look at that job’s page anyway →

What I’d stop worrying about

A friend tells you what not to spend fear on. This is that list.

The headline number you read somewhere
The big “X% of jobs” figures are about the whole economy, not about you. The number that describes your job is on this page: 6% of its task weight, across 88 scored tasks. Every row behind it is printed above with the source. Check ours; ignore theirs.
The headlines about your trade disappearing
They are usually about the technology, not the timetable. Changes to work like grinding, sanding and smooth filled or repaired surfaces using power tools and hand tools arrive through rules, insurance and money, slowly and visibly. This page tracks the task evidence and will move when it moves.
Retraining out of a job that is holding up
On this evidence I would not spend money leaving. Spend it on the layer around the job instead: the tools, the paperwork, the planning. That is where the change actually is.
The “obvious” next job everyone suggests
I checked the obvious moves and most of them did not survive. The reasons are printed with the routes above, including the pay and the gate. A move that fails on the numbers is worth knowing about so you can stop turning it over at night.

You are reading the United Kingdom figures

The United States splits this work across more than one official group, of which Boilermakers is the closest. The pay and employment figures are not directly comparable, and we do not average them together.

Switch to the United States page →partial match

The other groups this work is counted across:

In US official statistics this job is counted as Boilermakers, Sheet Metal Workers, Automotive Body and Related Repairers, Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters and Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic. Pay is shown separately for each of those groups (medians cannot be averaged together), while the task list and the scores on this page are for this group only.

Your route through this

Where to go next, and what it costs

Free, and complete

The moves above cost nothing. These are the real services that go with them: public, government-funded, and free at the point of use. Nothing on this page is behind an email address or a payment.

In England:
National Careers Service
A free hour with a government-funded careers adviser is worth more than another evening of reading. In England that's the National Careers Service.
Free, government-funded
- Discover your skills and careers (the skills assessment)
In England:
National Careers Service - Find a course
Search what's actually running near you before you spend anything.
Free to search; individual courses vary
In England:
Free courses for jobs (Level 3 qualifications)
A free Level 3 qualification you already qualify for beats a paid course you don't need.
Free for eligible adults
In England:
Skills Bootcamps
Free, up to 16 weeks, and you get a job interview at the end. In England these are Skills Bootcamps - search what's running near you.
Free for eligible adults in England
- Skills Bootcamps - what they are and who can do them (DfE, Skills for Careers)
- Skills Bootcamps - JobHelp (DWP)
In Scotland:
My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)
In Scotland it's My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland.
Free, publicly funded
- Skills Development Scotland
In Wales:
Careers Wales
In Wales it's Careers Wales.
Free, Welsh Government-funded
In Northern Ireland:
Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland it's the Careers Service on nidirect.
Free, Department for the Economy-funded

No Space for this job, but one for what is happening to it

Nothing Collab365 runs is built for sheet metal workers, and we are not going to point you at the nearest one and call it a fit.

There is one that is not about a job title at all. The AI Authority is about being the person who directs these tools at work rather than the person they get compared to. That is worth saying here, because 6% of the work on this page is already inside what they can do.

Try The AI Authority free →

7 days free, no card needed. Explore up to 2 Spaces before you choose a plan: you pick a plan later, not now.

The AI Authority is a general community about working with AI, not a course for sheet metal workers. You do not need it to act on anything here: the moves above cost nothing and stand on their own. The data on this page is the same either way.

Noted, and thank you. We’ll email you if a Space for sheet metal workers launches. Nothing else.

That did not look like an email address, so nothing was saved. Have another go below.

We could not save that. The fault is ours, not yours, and your address was not stored. Please try again later.

No Space for sheet metal workers yet. Should there be one?

Collab365 Spaces is built by the same people as this site. We find the problems that AI and automation are creating inside one kind of work, then solve them as short courses, briefings and Blueprints. Each Space is the community too, so the research and the people doing your job are in the same place.

What a Space actually is, in full

Collab365 launches new communities where the need is real. If one for sheet metal workers existed, with researched problems, courses and people in the same boat, would you want in?

Your email

We use your email address for one thing: to tell you if a Space for sheet metal workers launches. We never sell it, never use it for unrelated marketing, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe. Our privacy policy has the full version.

This unlocks nothing. Every figure, every row and every step on this page is already yours, whether you fill this in or not.

No deadline on any of this. The page will still be here, and the data is refreshed on a published schedule rather than when someone wants a headline.

Questions people ask about this job

Will AI replace Sheet metal workers?: Not as a job, but it is already doing parts of the work. Across the 88 official task statements scored for Sheet metal workers (United Kingdom, SOC 5211), 6% of the importance-weighted core work is made of tasks today's AI could already do most of. The overall exposure score is 10 out of 100 (range 8–14, band: minimal). That is a statement about tasks, not about headcount: this measures what AI could do, not whether any employer adopts it, whether the law allows it, or whether doing the routine parts faster creates more demand for the human parts. Figures are from release 2026-q4.1.
Which tasks in “Sheet metal workers” can AI already do?: The highest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Review blueprints and work orders to identify specific tasks required for project completion” (75/100, high); “Convert blueprints into workshop drawings for constructing or assembling sheet metal products” (75/100, high); “Select gauges or types of sheet metal or non-metallic material, according to product specifications” (75/100, high). Each score comes from five published 0–4 ratings turned into a number by a published formula, and each carries the model's one-sentence reason on the page.
Which tasks in “Sheet metal workers” stay human?: About 89% of this job's task weight sits in work that scores low for AI exposure. The lowest-scoring tasks in release 2026-q4.1 are: “Secure metal roof panels in place by interlocking and fastening grooved panel edges” (0/100, minimal); “Locate and mark dimensions and reference lines on parts using templates, scribes, compasses, and steel rules” (0/100, minimal); “Join parts using bolts, screws, welding, or gluing” (0/100, minimal). Low scores usually mean the task needs a body in a room, a legally accountable human, or trust built in real time. Those are the three things the scoring rubric treats as gates rather than obstacles.
What should someone working in “Sheet metal workers” do about AI?: Start from the ledger rather than the headline: 6% of this job's weighted core work is exposed, and roughly 89% is not. The practical move is to spend more of your week on the tasks that score low, the ones above, and to get fluent at directing AI through the tasks that score high, because those are the parts that change whether or not you are ready for them. This page does not predict your job, and nothing here is career advice tailored to you: the score describes the occupation, not the person.
How is the AI exposure score for Sheet metal workers calculated?: Each official task statement for the occupation is rated on five published 0–4 dimensions (output replicability, physical embodiment, licensed accountability, real-time human trust, and data availability) by claude-opus-5 using scoring prompt task_scoring_v1.0. The model never writes the score; a published formula turns the five ratings into a 0–100 number, so every score can be recomputed by hand. The occupation figure is the importance-weighted mean across 88 scored tasks. The prompt, the rubric, the formula and the full dataset are published at https://futureproof.collab365.com/method and https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1 under CC BY 4.0.

Where these numbers come from

About the data on this page

Provisional, because the ONS revises this figure in the autumn.
This headcount comes from a survey, not a census, so treat it as a good estimate rather than an exact count.
One task scored differently between repeat runs, so its range on this page is wider. We would rather show the wobble than hide it.
One row is marked low confidence, so treat it as a ballpark rather than a fine measurement.
The match between this job and its counterpart in the other country is partial, so the two pages count slightly different groups of people.
54 of this occupation's scored task statements carry a score that was measured under a different occupation's context, because the statement is shared between jobs and has only been scored once so far. Each one names the occupation it was measured under in the free routes below; none is presented as a measurement for this job.
Task clusters are not derived in this release, so the task-cluster field is empty and no Collab365 Space routing is attached to this occupation yet.

Task statements: gaisi-indexProcessing: catalogue-bridge → ssc-relatedness-weighting → task-scoring → score-aggregation
Task weights: gaisi-index (relatedness)
Scores: Rubric task_scoring_v1.0, model claude-opus-5, computed 2026-08-05.
Pay and employment: ashe-t14 (ASHE 2025 provisional (reference April 2025))nomis-aps (Apr 2025-Mar 2026 (latest APS 12-month period))

Figures on this page come from release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Every release keeps its own permanent address, so a figure you cite in March is still there, unchanged, in November.

The plain-English wording on this page is assembled directly from the task statements and the published ratings, not written by hand for this occupation. That is why it is specific, and it is also why we say so.

The routes and free resources further up are today’s, not the release’s (last reviewed 2026-08-05). A route is an offer, not a historical fact, so it moves on its own clock.

How we score a job Download this release Look up another job

Using these figures?

Cite this

Everything on this site is published under CC BY 4.0. Quote it, chart it, sell something built on it. Just say where it came from, and cite the dated release rather than the site, so the figure you quote stays checkable.

Plain text

Collab365 (2026). Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1 (methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0). https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Built with O*NET data (USDOL/ETA, CC BY 4.0); ONS data (Open Government Licence v3.0); GAISI task framework (arXiv:2507.22748, MIT); BLS data (public domain).

BibTeX

@misc{collab365futureproof2026q41,
  title        = {Collab365 Futureproof: task-level AI exposure for US and UK occupations, release 2026-q4.1},
  author       = {{Collab365}},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1},
  note         = {Release 2026-q4.1, methodVersion 2.0.0, promptVersion task_scoring_v1.0, CC BY 4.0}
}

Permalink

https://futureproof.collab365.com/data/2026-q4.1

Data as of release 2026-q4.1, published 2026-08-05. Releases never change after publication; when the figures move, a new dated release is published beside this one and this one stays exactly where it is.